Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
20 April 2023 | 14:57 CAT

Photo Credit: Daily Investor

South Africans are closer to stage 11 load-shedding, a level that does not yet exist on the available schedules. as winter is coming. And the threat can only be prevented if Eskom significantly improves its power station presentation. The country has now experienced Stages 5 and 6 of load-shedding.

This is according to Virtual Energy and Power director Clyde Mallinson, who analysed historical winter load-shedding data and the condition of Eskom’s coal power plants to make rotational power cut predictions.

Speaking to Radio Islam International on the issues of load-shedding and energy, Civil Society Outa’s Brandon Slade said the government and Eskom’s ability to be transparent with the public exacerbates the issue.

According to Slade, South Africans are effectively experiencing stages 7 and 8 of load-shedding, making up for 10 hours or more daily with no power. A historical inheritance is underway at Eskom due to the lack of proper maintenance conducted on the power stations in the past.

“The generation capacity is crumbling and with Winter at our doorstep, the demand for electricity will be so much higher,” he added.

Slade suggests that a complete collapse of the power infrastructure is not likely at this stage. However, he said there are very unplanned breakdowns occurring currently and cannot ensure certainty that more units at power stations will not continue to collapse.

Meanwhile, load shedding is a systemic issue that has risen over several years and will not be fixed overnight. Slade said steps forward include a steamroll of proper change in the energy policy.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with host Annia Essack.